Search Bay

Search Bay is a relatively new browser extension that offers you a featured search page as your home page, new tab page, and default search engine; however, it seems that its short life -- one month has passed since its release -- has already ended since we cannot access its page anymore. But even the official distribution page in the Chrome web store is gone. This is rather suspicious and just makes it more clear that you are dealing with a potentially unwanted program (PUP) here. Just because you cannot download this browser extension anymore, which, by the way, only works in Google Chrome, or at least, it used to work, it does not mean that it is not spread in alternative and deceptive ways. When this search page is actually functioning, it can display modified search results that can contain unreliable third-party advertisements and links. It is also possible that this is not the only and most dangerous threat on your computer. In fact, this PUP does not even mean any direct threat to your system. Nevertheless, we still think that it is important that you remove Search Bay from your system and take care of all other possible threats as well if you want to use a secure computer.

As we have mentioned, the official webpages that used to promote this tool are down for the time being and god knows if this stays like this or the creators may redirect this tool to a newly set up questionable search page. Originally, the promotional page was at searchsbay.com but right now you will find a "Server Error... 403 Forbidden: Access is denied" message there, which is not really inviting. In fact, this alone should be enough for you to delete Search Bay right now if it is already on your computer. The same experience is awaiting for you when you visit the Chrome web store page at chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/search-bay/fcdcdlhamlenoljekfpnjdhjcncnafep, which ends with a 404 Error page, i.e., the usual URL not found message.

We have found though that this PUP is also spread in questionable and deceptive ways. It is quite possible that you would end up on "searchsbay.com/ext?pid=1651&sid=173115718" by way of redirection. Beware that this page will display a pop-up message saying that you can leave this site if you install the Search Bay extension. Be careful where you click when presented with this pop-up because you do not want to end up installing this questionable extension for sure. It is possible that you click on a corrupt third-party advertisement or link you may be exposed to on a suspicious website and this is how you end up being redirected there. But your computer may also be infected with malware that is capable of such redirections, such as an adware program and a browser hijacker. All in all, we recommend that you scan your system with a powerful online malware scanner right after you delete Search Bay in order to be able to see more clearly regarding the infection situation on your PC.

This PUP is indeed yet another search page that offers you web search. This extension first sends your queries to searchstrategic.com and then, to modified Google search results pages. Since this PUP can collect information about you, it is possible that before long you would be bombarded with customized third-party ads and sponsored links among the normal search results. Engaging with potentially unreliable content could lead to infecting your computer with malware programs or further PUPs behind your back. But you can also open new tabs with questionable content, such as fake websites operated by cyber criminals who cannot wait to scam you out of your hard-earned money. This is why we suggest that your remove Search Bay from your computer even if at present it does not seem to work at all.

The good new is that you can easily get rid of this useless PUP if you remove Search Bay extension using your Google Chrome menu. Please use our guide below if you need assistance with this process. Of course, it may take more to clean your PC of all possible threats and keep it secure, too. It is possible that this would exceed your IT skills. Thus, we advise you to install a remarkable anti-malware program like SpyHunter to address all possible system security issues for you automatically.

How to remove Search Bay from your browser

Google Chrome

1. Press Alt+F to open the menu.
2. Select More tools and then, choose Extension.
3. Find the unwanted extension and click on the Trash can on the right.
4. Press Remove in the pop-up.
5. Relaunch your browser.